Delight in the Bloom

As you know, my book is now available, and I am very excited! To be honest, it’s surreal. I can and can’t believe I’m here! This has been one of the most challenging yet most fulfilling seasons of my life. Publishing Memorial Stones has been an unexpected yet pleasant detour. I say detour because when I left my job in 2023, the Lord directed me to build my business. But He soon asked me to press pause on the business and finish writing this book. Not a logical path to take.

The process started one night in August 2022 when the Lord woke me up in the middle of the night and downloaded the concept. I didn’t set out with the expectation of publishing a book. I thought it might be a free PDF download. I even designed one in Canva. But bit by bit, the Lord kept pushing me to develop it more. He then led me in the direction of releasing Memorial Stones as a book. This book has been bathed and contended over in prayer. It required that I share some deeply personal experiences, and being a private person, this was quite a challenge for me.

With the release of Memorial Stones, I am reminded of the times I daydreamed about writing as a child. I would always see myself in my imagination writing. I didn’t think about publishing a book; I just knew I was a writer. It was never anything I hemmed and hawed over. I just treasured it in my heart. I kept speaking His word to myself, “Brenda, you’re a writer.” Hindsight twenty-twenty, I now see that as part of the identity God has given me.

Several weeks ago, my friend and I were talking about Isaiah 55:11, about how what God has spoken cannot return to Him until it has been fulfilled.

Friend, what God has spoken to you and over cannot return to Him void. His word must accomplish what He desires. Of course, it requires our yes, our partnership with Him, and sometimes, it takes a very long time to happen (ask Abraham).

I almost threw away some orchids three months ago because they had not bloomed in well over a year. I was convicted. I apologized to them (Yep! Because I said it out loud!) Then, last month, they started blooming. If I had thrown them away, I would have missed their beauty and missed out on the delight I get every time I look at them. And if you know anything about me, you would know that sadly, potted plants come into my home to die.

The blooming orchids I almost threw away

What promises have you released because you haven’t seen them come to fruition?

Take a moment and do an inventory today.

Ask Him what you have forgotten. Ask Him what you have discarded. Ask Him how He wants you to partner with Him. Give Him your yes.

And I pray you too, will enjoy and delight in the beauty of your blooming orchids.

Until next week, Friend…

Miracles + Blessings!

Brenda